Queen pulls out of engagement at St Paul’s Cathedral after feeling ‘under the weather’ as Hollywood star Angelina Jolie attends service
THE Queen has pulled out of a service at St Paul's Cathedral because she is feeling "under the weather" due to a summer cold - leaving Hollywood's Angelina Jolie to star at the event.
A spokeswoman for Buckingham Palace said: "The Queen is feeling under the weather today and has decided not to attend this morning's service at St Paul's Cathedral marking the 200th anniversary of the Order of Michael and St George.
"Her Majesty will be represented by the Duke of Kent as the grand master of the order."
However they later added that "no doctor has been called" and outstanding engagements have not been cancelled.
Yesterday she was seen in a private audience with the The Ambassador of Zimbabwe Colonel Christian Katsande.
The Queen, 92, has a busy schedule of events in Holyrood next week. She is known for her strong constitution and no-fuss approach to her infrequent illnesses.
Last month she had eye surgery to remove a cataract.
She was treated as a day patient and did not cancel any engagements nor appearances, but was later spotted wearing sunglasses.
In 2016 - the year she turned 90 - the monarch called time on her overseas travels, leaving long-haul destinations to the younger members of her family.
But she still has a busy diary of events, and in 2017 carried out 296 engagements.
Her absence allowed Hollywood star Angelina Jolie - invited to today's service as a recipient of an honour from the Order which is granted by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister - to star instead.
A smiling Ms Jolie, looking elegant in a simple and fitted stone-coloured mid-calf dress with matching gloves and hat, was seen chatting to former Labour Defence Secretary and Nato secretary general Lord Robertson.
She was admiring his ceremonial robes.
The cathedral which the event took place is the home of the Chapel of the Order of St Michael and St George, which was formally dedicated in 1906.
It is for distinguished services in connection with foreign affairs and service overseas.
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